Program for teachers returns this summer

Sunday

May 5, 2013 at 12:01 AM

The Terrebonne Parish Library System will hold “Tools for Teachers” again this summer.

Mary Cosper LeboeufTerrebonne Parish Library System

The Terrebonne Parish Library System will hold “Tools for Teachers” again this summer. “Tools for Teachers” is a series of workshops for teachers helping them to reach English Language Arts benchmarks in the classroom. The workshops directly relate to GLE's for fourth- to 12th-graders. The workshops are scheduled from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays from June 5 to July 24 at the Terrebonne Parish Main Library, 151 Library Drive, Houma. “Tools for Teachers” received national recognition when the Library System was selected as a finalist for the Nation Medal given by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.The first workshop topic on June 5 deals with navigating sources. Some of the topics covered are teaching basic research techniques for every student, including effective keyword searching, use of the library catalog and advanced Internet searching. Take-away instructional material and practice exercises for students will be included.Other workshop topics include citing sources; best sources for research papers; newspapers and magazines; encyclopedias; dictionaries and atlases; and audiovisual resources. For information, call 876-5861, option 2 or email rmays@mytpl.org.A detailed description can be found on the Library System's website at www.mytpl.org/teachertools.

A giant National Geographic map of North America is available for schools and community groups Tuesday through May 23 at the Main Library.The map is used for interactive learning and exploration. The 26-by-35-foot map comes with a trunk of interactive activities, games, props and educational resources for all ages. Family play times are also available. For information and sample activities and lesson plans, visit the National Geographic website.The map is available Tuesday through Thursday and May 17-23 at the Main Library and Friday through May 17 at the North Terrebonne Library, 4130 W. Park Ave., Gray.To schedule a giant map session for your class or community group, contact Jen Hamilton at jen@mytpl.org or 850-5306.

Representatives from the Louisiana Civil Justice Center will talk to people seeking pro bono legal help for oil spill claims from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 16 at the Main Library. Those who qualify are matched with attorneys at other agencies. LCJC also offers brief advice and information about civil law issues but cannot give advice on criminal law.

“A Journey through the Universe: from Earth to the Farthest Galaxies” is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Main Library. Everyone knows their street address, but what about your cosmic address?Just where are you in the grand scheme of things? Join Reference Librarian Ross Mays, creator of www.universetimelines.com, for a discussion of where you are in the solar system, the galaxy and the universe. All ages are welcome.

There are five free hands-on computer classes from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. this month at the Main Library: From the beginning, Tuesday; beyond the basics, Thursday; email and CD burning basics, May 14; introduction to photography, May 21; and Microsoft Work 2010, May 23.A Facebook workshop is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday at the Dulac Library, 200 Badou Drive. A computer class, Surf's Up, is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 16 at the North Terrebonne Library.

The Library System has an app available for library users and digital magazines available for readers.You can access your library anytime with the myTPL app. The app allows searching for books, DVDs, audiobooks and CDs. You can also request an item and renew an item. If you see an interesting item somewhere, you can scan it and see if the Library System has it. Also included in the app is access to the e-book collection.You can also find contact information, hours and locations. The myTPL app is available for Apple, Android, Windows and Blackberry devices. Download the app by searching mytpl in your app store.

The Library System belongs to the world's largest newsstand, and now you can access it too. You can read magazine subscriptions free online or using most handheld devices. All you need is a library card in good standing and a valid email address. Check out the user's guide for easy-to-use instructions at mytpl.org/zinio. This link also will direct you to the website for registration and downloading.If you have any questions about downloading these applications, call the Library System's reference department at 876-5861, option 2.

The Library System's staff is trained to help you access e-books on your e-readers. You can go to any Terrebonne Parish library and have a staff member program your device to use the Library System's e-book collection.

The Terrebonne Parish Library System has a program which memorializes a person by having a book placed in the Library System. A donation is made in a person's memory, and a book is purchased and placed at the branch of the donor's choice. A book plate is placed in the book and a card is sent to the family. For information, call 876-5158.24-Hour AccessThe Library System is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. With a library card in good standing, you can access services. You can renew items and request items, along with searching the catalog. If you need a book to read, you can download e-books and audiobooks. If you want new music on your MP3 player, just access Freegal. To keep up with the latest events in the Library System, check out the Library System's Facebook page or Bayou Reference Blog. All these services happen on the Library System's website at www.mytpl.org.

Charlie Audirsch’s fossil display is on exhibit at the Main Library.David Diket’s LEGO creations are on display at the North Terrebonne Library.

Mary Cosper LeBoeuf is director of the Terrebonne Parish Library System. She can be reached at 876-5158.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.